Lighter



June 25, 1935. R. H. sEGAL ET AL LIGHTER 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. l5

June .25, 1935. R. H. sEGAl. Er AL Y 2,006,061

LIGHTER Fi1ed Jan. l5, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 30, g4 y MLP .seGAL menons Lsnam.

ATTORNEY.

Patented June 25, 1935 PATENT OFFICE` 2,006,061 LIGHTER Ralph H. Segal and Theodore I. Segal, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application January 15,

` 7 Claims.

'Ijhis invention relates generally to lighters for igniting cigarettes and the like, and particularly to a lighter wherein the vapor evolved from a volatile fuel is caused or permitted to be absorbed by or contacted with or surround a catalytic substance or any other suitable substance whereby the said substance becomes incandescent, or the surrounding vapor ignited, orboth.

One of the underlying principles upon which this invention rests is the heating of the catalytic element in a lighter for cigarettes and the like, without necessitating the puffing of the applied cigarette to do so, by forcing the fumes or fuel vapor into contact with the catalyzer through mechanical means.

The structure involved contemplates thev production of a complete cycle in which the fuel gas or vapor is forced into contact with the catalyst, causing heating thereof; the creation of a partial vacuum by which sufficient air is drawn in to be mixed with the vapor in readiness for its subsequent compression, the partial vacuum created in the vapor chamber allowing the fuel to evapcrate more readily.

In one of its general aspects this invention comprises a casing having an expansible or plunger-like part wherein fuel Vapor contained within the casing is made to contact with a catalyst by mechanical means, to heat the same, either by first causing compression of the fuel vapor by retraction of the expansible casing and then allowing it to expand for contaction with the catalyst or by propulsion of the fuel vapor produced by retraction of the expansible casing, in which latter case the fuel vapor is directly propelled for contaction with the catalyst, in both cases air being sucked from on top of or through the `catalyst for mixture with the fuel vapor to present a fuel charge ready for action upon the catalyst at the next compression or retraction stroke of the casing.

A form of casing utilized in this invention comprises two irremovable telescopicable shell members having openings and coordinating communicating chambers to offer a passage for the vapors to the catalyst at predetermined times.

It is an` object of this invention to provide novel means in compact form for lighting cigarettes and the like.

It is another object of this invention to provide in a lighter a valve by means of which the fue] vapor will be first compressed before being permitted to reach the catalytic element.

It is another object of this invention to` construct the cigarette rlighter whereby the catalytic 1934, serial No. 700,751

element is removed from contact with the fuel fumes or vapors when inoperative whereby the following advantages are derived; the prevention of continued chemical reaction in the device when inoperative, and therefore, consumption of the fuel immediately ceases; elimination of inert vapors, leaving active fuel gas always present in the fuel chamber; avoidance of wetting pill, such as, condensation of inert vapors upon the inner walls of the lighter.

It is another object of this invention to construct the lighter so as to cause a partial vacuum in the fuel chamber when the device is brought back again to the inoperative position, the creation of the vacuum reducing the pressure in the fuel chamber,-the fuel, consequently, vaporizing more quickly and to a greater extent.

It is a further object of the invention to locate the parts of the lighter whereby air may be drawn in from the top of the catalyst into the fuel vapor chamber.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a lighter contemplated by this invention, means to reduce the fuel vapor to a compact form, whereby the same is enabled to flow more rapidly in response to the puffing of the applied cigarette.

This invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of parts and in the unique relations of the members and in the relative proportioning and disposition thereof all as more completely outlined herein.

To enable others skilled in the art so fully to comprehend the underlying features thereof that they may embody the same by the numerous modifications in `structure and relation contemplated by this invention, drawings depicting preferred and modied forms have been annexed as a part of this disclosure, and in such drawings, like characters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout all the views, of which:-

Fg. 1 is a top plan view shown in sectionof an embodiment of the invention in inoperative position. 4

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1. l

Fig. 3 is a top view of the same.

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view partly in section of the same in inoperative position.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 2, but shown in operative or compressed position. f

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6 6 ofFigure.' w,

Fig. '7 is a sectional View taken along line 'lci Figure 1.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8 8 of Figure 5.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device in a modied form, the same being shown in inoperative position.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line ill-lll of Figure 9.

Fig. ll1 is :a view .similar to Figure l0, but showing a device in operative position.

Fig. l2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a still further modification of the device, the same being shown in inoperative position.

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional View taken along line I3-3 of Figure l2, the device `being shown in operative position.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a iurther modined form of the device.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line l5-l5 of Figure 14.

Fig. l5 .is a plan view of the device shown in Figure 14.

Fig. 17 is section view showing a still further modified form .of the device.

In the drawings, the numeral 20 represents an inner receptacle in slidable or telescopic engagement with van outer receptacle 2 l. The receptacle 2B isshown as having a recess or pocket 22 to seat one end of a spring 23, the other end of the spring .bearing against the inside of end wall Ztl of receptacle or shell 2|. The spring 23 is shown as being helical, but it is understood that any suitable spring or other resilient means may be einployed for the purpose intended, namely, to urge the inner shell .20 longitudinally outwardly with relation to outer shell 2l. The outer shell 2l is provided with a substantially central opening 2E adapted to register with chamber 2l oi` inner shell 21) when the latter is pressed inwardly. In substantially transverse alinement with opening or cavity 2l of the inner shell are the openings 2B and 2S. Within inner shell 2S is a cage 3Q adapted to receive'a wick or other fuel absorbing material 3|, the latter encompassing the annular wall of chamber 2l. Cage 3D is separated from the inner wall of the inner shell Zil. thus forming a vapor space 32 all around the absorbent material. An opening 33 in the exposed end of inner shell 2t is provided for pouring in the fuel to be absorbed by the element 3l, a threaded cap 35i normally closing this opening.

The inner end 35 of inner shell 2B may be made removable for insertion of the absorbable material 3l and the screen or cage 3G.

The bottom oi outer shell El is provided with a trough or channel 35, the top opening 2d 01' the outer shell being disposed immediately thereover. Within chamber 21 is conveniently located a catalyzer pill 3l, having a perforation Si. Ii the catn alyzer is made sufficiently porous, the perforation may be dispensed with.

The device in its normal inoperative position is shown in Figures l to 4 and 7. To operate the device, outer and inner shells 2li, 2i are pressed longitudinally together against the action of spring 23, by the operator, assuming the position as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8. This brings the catalytic element 37 in alignment with opening 26. The fuel saturated element 3i being suspended in the inner shell by means of the screen or cage Sli, fuel vapor will accumulate in the space between the inner walls oi the inner shell 20 and saturated element 3 i. When the device is I in this position, the openings 23 and 29 of inner shell 2B are over trough 35, thereby opening cornrnunication between the vapor chamber 32 and the ignition chamber 2l. By the compressing action in chamber 33, vapor will be forced through orifices 3B and :iii as well as oriice Iii and will iiow around the saturated element and through orifices 2B and 2Q into trough 36. From trough 35 the vapor will be orced into the ignition chamber El into contact with catalytic pill 3l, heating the same.

During the telescoping oi the shells B and 2|, the fuel vapor and air already mixed therewith (the air having been sucked in on the intake stroke through opening 32") is being forced into Contact with the catalyst Si' commencing the heating thereof, oriiices iii communicating with trough and being propelled into chamber 2l.

The cigarette is ignited by applying the same to the catalyst through opening 26, and puiling on the same. When pressure is released on shells il@ Iand 2i, the latter are urged apart by action of spring 233 thus recovering their initial positions, the chamber becoming enlarged. During part of this expansion stroke, air is sucked in through orifice 3l" and coinmingl'es with the vapor within the shell compartments, the remaining part of the expansion stroke reducir.v the compression within the shells, thus aiding vaporization oi the fuel. l'The charge is now again ready for propulsion through the catalyst pill 3l by telescoping action of the shells 2@ and 2 l [is shown in the drawings the catalytic agent may be in the forni oi a suitable pill 3l, the substance known as platinum black: or platinum sponge being 'preferably employed.

lt is to be observed that when the device is in inoperative position, the catalyst is completely removed from. the path of he fuel vapor, thereby preventing continued chemical action in the device when not in use, the inert vapors being cliniinated, leaving active fuel gas always present in the fuel chamber. Furthermore, since the catan lyst is removed from the path of the vapor, condensation oi the vapors which may forni on the inner walls oi the lighter, cannot possibly come into contact with the catalyst.

in the modication illustrated in Figures 9, li) and il, the numeral indicates the outer shell and 5E indicates the inner shell. The outer shell 5d has a recess 52 at its closed end Contained within this recess is a hollow plunger 5a which operates valve when in completely compressed position as illustrated in Figure ll. The hollow plunger 5ft is utilized lor filling the inner com tainer 5i with the liquid fuel. A screw 5S is used to closu the opening. Within the inner container 5i is located a cage 5l' within which is lo cated the absorbable matter titi. The cage 5i' su"- rounds a hollow member divided into two corn-- municating compartments '63 and Q5 a wall in line with plunger 5t and normally seated in an opening in an end wall of chamber or compartment @t is a ball valve 55, normally held into seated position by spring t5. The catalytic eleient Sii is supported in ignition chamber 65. Two openings E9 and are located at the inner wall 6l of the inner container El, to oiier communieating passages for the vapor in space til to chamber 52.

In telescoping the shells 5@ and 5i, the fuel vapor in chamber t2 and space tu surrounding the wiel; 58, will iirst be compressed, and near the end of the compression stroke, the plunger ti strikes the valve 55 thereby unseating the (Sli `tion by compression spring 55'.

Aemployed for the purposes intended in lieu of the two springs.

While 'the device is inoperative, no fuel vapor can reach the ignitionchamber 65, holding catalyzer pill 66.

The action in this device diifers from that ,previously described, in that, inthe former, the

fuel vapor' is first compressed and then after rcompletion of the compression stroke, plunger 54 operates the valve 55 to permit expansion of the previously compressed vapor,` while inthe latter, the fuel vapor -is propelled by the telescoping of the shells 20 and 2|. In other words, in the device disclosed in Figures 1 to 8, of the drawings, the vapor reaches the catalyst by propulsion, whereas, in the device disclosed in Figures 9 to 11, the fuel vapor is first compressed and then allowed to expand to reach the catalyst.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a still further modication of the invention. In this case, the catalytic pill is substituted by a lament '15. The outer casing '|6 has a cigarette applying opening 1l. The inner casing '|8 is provided with a suitable plugged hole 10 used for reiilling purposes. Inner casing T8 also contains the absorbent material 80 held within cage 8|. On the inside of the end wall 82 of the outer caselli is a recess 83 into which lits the end of a plunger 84. The other end of plunger 84 is provided withla valve cap 85, which shuts off the `vapors from the ignition chamber 86, while the device is in inoperative position.- n

In this type of lighter, when parts 16 and i8 are telescoped the fuel vapor and air contained in chamber 8l will be forced throughopening i verse partitions I6,

08, and the air and fuel vapor in the space surrounding the `wick 86, together with this fuel charge will be forced through opening 80 and out through the orifice opened by Valve disc 85 and into ignition chamber 86, and contacting with the catalytic element 15, heating the same.

The surrounding fuel charge containing a supply of air will be ignited by heat of the catalyzer. Cigarettes applied above opening may be ignited by the flame produced.

Compression spring 90 will normally keep the inner and outer compartments 'i6 and, 18 in their outward relation. `The fuel charge reaches the catalytic element by propulsion,` produced by the telescoping of the elements 16 and '|8, the same as hereinabove described with respect to the device disclosed in Figs. 1 8.

Figs. 14 and l5 illustrate a still further modification of the invention. The outer container or housing |02 may assume any desired shape, such as, for example, round, square, hexagon, elliptical, oblong, etc. Housing |02 houses the absorbable material |05 held in cage |06. The cage is shown as` U-shaped. Forming part of or secured to housing |02 is an inwardly extending hollow member I5 divided by the transinto three compartments or chambers, a compression chamber |0|,

an ignition chamber |0, and an auxiliary chamber ||8.` The cage |06 `and Wick |65 surrounds member ||5, a space ||9 being provided for the vapor resulting from evaporation of the fuel absorbed by wick |05. The compression in this device is accomplished by means of a hollow plunger |60 adapted to travel in the chamber |0|. Openings |03 and |04 are provided in opposite walls of chamber |0|, forming communication `between chamber |0| and housing |02, and another opening in the `wall of auxiliary chamber ||8. A spring |20 urges plunger |06 outwardly. A valve rod |08 secured to the top of plunger |00, slidably extends through a perforation in partition H6. In line with rod |08 and normally seated in an opening in partition ||1 is a ball valve |09, normally urged into seated position by a spring |2|. The valve |09 `is unseated by rod |68 when depressed.

Catalytic element l is supported within chamber I0. Plunger |00 is provided with an opening |22. Normally, that is when the device is inoperative and the plunger is in extended position, a solid-wall of the plunger is presented between the catalyzer and opening |2. When the plunger is depressed, then opening |22 registers with opening I i2 and the catalytic element is then exposed ready for the cigarette to be applied thereto.

When plunger |00 is depressed, the fuel charge (consisting of mixed airk and fuel vapor) within plunger |00, chamber |0|, housing |02, and.` auxiliary chamber |8 will be compressed. The plunger, near the end of its stroke will cause rod |08 to unseat ball valve |09 and allow the compressed fuel charge to expand into ignition chamber ||0 and into contact with the catalytic element The cigarette is inserted through opening l2 in shell 02'. In this modification, the fuel charge reaches the catalytic element by compression and expansion. i

It is to be noticed that while the device is inoperative, no vapor can reach the ignition chamber l I0 which houses the catalytic element l.

In the form of the invention disclosed in Fig. '.17, there is provided the telescopic shells |30 and |3|, the outer housing or shell |30 being normally urged outwardly with respect to the inner shell |3| by the spring |32. Inner shell |3| is divided into a plurality of compartments or chambers by means of partitions. Compartment |33 shown as being at the bottom of the casing is the fuel compartment, fuel being admitted therein through an opening threadedly engaging a cap |34. At one side of compartment |33 is a tube |35, extending from near the bottom to the top thereof and terminating in or being in alinement with a nozzle |36 which may be formed out of the top |31 of the compartment |33. To one side and in proximity to nozzle |36 is a nozzle |30 which may be formed out of a side wall |39 of cylinder or compartment |46 within which operates piston |4|.

4Piston |4| has a stem or rod |4 secured to outer shell |30. v

Nozzles |36, |38 project within compartment or chamber |02 which is the fuel charge chamber, the latter communicating with the inside of outer shell |30. Also communicating with the inside of outer shell |36 is compartment or chamber |43 which communicates with ignition chamber E44, in the latter of which is mounted the catalytic element |45, the part of chamber |44 above the catalytic element |45 being open as shown at |06. In the communicating opening between chamber |43 and outer shell |30 is seated Va ball valve |07,

normally held in seated position by an attached stem or rod M9 secured to outer shell E3B. Outer shell i3@ has the cigarette applying opening l, which normally (when the device is inoperative) is out of alinement with opening Mii above catalytic element lee, the latter being covered by a closed part of the outer shell lt.

To operate the device shown in Fig. 1'?, outer and inner shells liill, i3! are relatively retracted. During this procedure piston Uil forces vapor out of chamber lfl through nozzle |33, the same creating a suction and drawing out fuel in a fine spray through nozzle l36 (similar to an atomizer). The vapor emitted from nozzle 38 and the fuel spray emitted from nozzle i236 constitute the fuel charge.

Relative retraction of the shells operates ball valve MTI, the same being rigidly connected to outer shell iti). The fuel charge by propulsion is forced into ignition chamber Nid into contact action with catalytic element M5 and heating the same. Relative retraction of the shells brings opening ltl over catalytic element M5. The cigarette may now be applied to the catalyzer.

If desired a suitable resilient gasket 2t@ (see Fig. l) may be interposed between the outer and inner shells to prevent leakage of vapors therebetween.

It is believed from the above description that those skilled in the art will. have no diiiiculty in understanding the construction, the method of use and operation of the devices herein disclosed and a detailed discussion thereof is unnecessary. The invention is of simple and practical construction and is adaptedfto accomplish among others all of the objects and advantages herein set forth.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of this invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting certain features, that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims:

l. A lighter comprising a pair of telescopicable receptacles, outer and inner respectively, the inner receptacle having a chamber, a catalyzer fixed in said chamber, the outer receptacle having an opening to the atmosphere, said opening registering with said chamber only when the receptacles are telescoped, said inner receptacle adapted to hold vaporlzable fuel, means of communication between the inner and outer receptacles for the vapor to expand when the receptacles are urged apart, and means of communication between said inner receptacle and said chamber to impart the vapor to the catalyzer when the receptacles are telescoped.

2. A lighter comprising a pair of telescopicable receptacles, outer and inner respectively, the inner receptacle having a chamber, a catalyzer fixed in said chambenfthe outer receptacle having an opening to the atmosphere, said opening registering with said chamber only when the receptacles are telescoped, said inner receptacle adapted to hold vaporizable fuel, and means of communication between said inner receptacle and said chamber to impart the vapor to the catalyzer when the receptacles are telescoped.

3. A lighter comprising a pair of telescopic receptacles, outer and inner respectively, means normally urging the receptacles apart longitudinally, the inner receptacle having a chamber, a catalyzer mounted in said chamber, the outer receptacle having an opening to the atmosphere, said opening registering with said chamber only when the receptacles are telescoped, a screen within said inner receptacle, liquid fuel absorbent material within said screen, the screen being spaced from an inner wall of said inner receptacle, means of communication between the inner and outer receptacles for the fuel vapor to expand when the receptacles are urged apart, the bottom of said outer receptacle having a trough disposed below said opening, and means of communication between said inner receptacle and said chamber through said trough to impart the vapor to the catalyzer when the receptacles are telescoped.

4. A lighter comprising a pair or telescopic receptacles, outer and inner respectively, means normally urging the receptacles apart, the inner receptacle having a chamber, a catalyzer nxed in said chamber, the outer receptacle having an opening to the atmosphere, said opening registering with said chamber only when the receptacles are telescoped, said inner receptacle adapted to hold vaporizable fuel, means of communication between the inner and outer receptacles for the vapor to expand when the receptacles are urged apart, the bottom of said outer receptacle having a channel, and means of communication between said inner receptacle and said chamber through said channel to impart the vapor to the catalyzer when the receptacles are telescoped.

5. A lighter comprising a pair of telescopic receptacles, outer and inner respectively, means normally urging the receptacles apart, the inner receptacle having a chamber, a catalyzer fixed in said chamber, the outer receptacle having an opening to the atmosphere, said opening registering with said chamber only when the receptacles are telescoped, said inner receptacle adapted to hold vaporizable fuel, means of communication between the inner and outer receptacles for the vapor to expand when the receptacles are urged apart, and means of communication between said inner receptacles and said chamber to impart the vapor to the catalyzer when the receptacles are telescoped.

6.. In a lighter, the combination of, an outer receptacle having a channel and an air admitting opening in alinement therewith, an inner receptacle slidably disposed in said outer receptacle and having a closed end normally overhanging said outer receptacle, said inner receptacle having an ignition chamber, a catalyzer within said chamber and means normally holding said chamber and catalyzer out of alinement with said opening and channel, said inner receptacle having means containing vaporizable fuel, said receptacles defining means to compress vapors evolved from said fuel during inward displacement of said inner receptacle, said receptacles having means to permit expansion of compressed fuel upon the retraction of said inner receptacle and including means of communication to permit expanded fuel to enter said channel, said chamber denning means of communication permitting said vapor-ized fuel to flow from said channel to nd by said catalyzer when said opening is in registration with said ignition chamber.

'7. In a lighter, the combination of, an outer receptacle having a transversely disposed channel and an air admitting opening in spatial alinement therewith, an inner receptacle slidable relative to said outer receptacle and having a closed end normally overhanging said outer receptacle, said inner receptacle having an ignition chamber, a. catalyzer disposed in said chamber and spring means coacting with said receptacles for normally holding said chamber and catalyzer out of alinement With said opening and channel, said inner receptacle being displaceable inwardly against the action of said spring means to dispose said chamber and catalyzer in alinement With said channel and opening, said inner receptacle having means containing vaporizable fuel, said receptacles having means to compress vapors evolved from said fuel on inward displacement of said inner receptacle, said receptacles having means of communication permitting said vaporized fuel to expand upon the retraction of said inner receptacle and enter said channel, said chamber defining means of communication permitting said Vaporized fuel to flow from said channel to and against said catalyzer only when Said opening is in registration with said ignition chamber.

RALPH H. SEGAL.

THEODORE I. SEGAL. 

